Interview Tips

I decided to come out with multiple posts for Tips related to the Interview session and a close friend of mine suggested compiling it all into an article so it will be easier for my followers to refer to. So here it goes..happy reading!

Series 1:

• Q: Why did you leave your last job?

Observation: Most will be honest by sharing how toxic the organization is but nope! Do not use this as a venting session. Instead, try this

• Step 1: Recap what you gained in your prior role (highlight aspects most relevant for this new role).

Example: I had some amazing highlights from my previous role that allowed me to develop significant expertise in xx areas which have really contributed to my overall skillsets.

• Step 2: Share a change of alignment tied to your core values that matter most in your career

Example: Although it is an organization I could really see myself growing with, they started enabling certain behaviors that were no longer in line with my own values.

• Step 3: Tied it back to this new company and how it lines up with the clarity you've gained in what you want next.

Example: That said, I am really grateful for having that opportunity because it's given me a lot more clarity in exactly what I want in my next steps. That's why I'm really excited to speak with you because everything that your company stands for is really in line with my own career aspirations.

Series 2:

The best way to handle a gap in your resume - be intentional so you can control the narrative and get ahead of this.

• Step 1: Set the stage by expressing the intention behind the gap
• Step 2: Reiterate the skills you gained that align well with the qualifications of this new role
• Step 3: Showcase how you strategically used this time to benefit your growth and candidacy for this position.
• Step 4: Always tie it back to this new role that you are applying to reinforce how the career break has benefited you

Example:

• S1: I decided to take xx months off from my previous role, primarily due to personal circumstances that I needed to prioritize at that time.
• S2: And it was a bittersweet decision because I had gained so many incredible skills, especially in xx areas while in that role. And I knew that I had so much to still contribute to the organization.
• S3: That said, this career break has given me so much clarity about where I want to go next / upscale in xx areas.
• S4: And that's why I'm excited about this opportunity because it lines up so well with my own career goals and all of these new skills that I've gained in that time

Series 3:

Despite being a fresh graduate without experience, avoid saying you don't have expertise in specific areas because it brings direct attention to what you don't have vs. what you do have.

Frame your response like this!

• So my experience in this area was more focused on xxxx, that said I do have some exposure to it and I'm really looking forward to diving into this even more within this new position.

Series 4:

The real meaning behind the interviewer's questions

1. Where do you see yourself xx years from now?

--> This isn't about sharing a certain role ie I would like to become the Head of the Dept etc but rather showcasing how your career aspirations line up with the organization's mission and vision for the future.

2. Tell me about yourself

--> This isn't the time to rehash your entire resume. This is for you to showcase why you are the right fit for the role and why they should hire you.

3. What is your greatest weakness?

--> This isn't about sharing some generic answer. Instead, it's about showing a legitimate area of opportunity and what you've been doing to work past this to show your ability to grow and evolve

Series 5:

The interviewer's favorite questions would be behavior questions like "Tell me about a time when..."

Tips:

• Part 1: What --> Share the context of the situation to get the interviewer on the same page with you
• Part 2: How --> How you push through something, how you overcome struggle/obstacle, how you work thru a particular challenge - include your strength and skills in this section to show how you used those to help you within the situation
• Part 3: Result / Impact --> What came from part 2 ie situation and how you were a direct spearhead in making that happen

Series 6:

How to ease interview nerves?

1. Set your mind that interviews are meant to be conversations and not interrogations. By doing so, you will realize you tend to share more rather than memorize

2. Don't let your nerves overtake you or prevent you from bringing your best self forward.

3. Lastly, remember! just as much as the company is evaluating if you are the right fit for them, you also have to assess if this is the right role and company for you.

Series 7:

Things to avoid in an interview session:

1. Not making proper eye contact

2. Giving too many surface-level answers - keep it short and precise

3. Not asking any questions. Interviews are a 2-way conversation and asking questions are a great way to show engagement and energy for the role.

Series 8:

3 questions to ask during your interview

1. What are the key performance indicators that will be used to measure success in this position?

2. What's the biggest challenge you foresee the person in this role taking on over the next year?

3. What are the top 3 traits found in your most successful leader or talent?

I wish all the best to my connections/followers and hope the tips will be helpful for you during your interview.